Forearm Magazine Holder

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a magazine holder for a firearm. The magazine holder includes a front segment, a middle segment, and a rear segment, wherein the segments are connected to form a unitary structure. The front segment and the rear segment are folded upwards to wrap around a forearm of a user. The middle segment is folded downward to create a slot to hold a magazine therebetween. The magazine holder mounts to the forearm of the user by means of a front and a rear adjustable strap, wherein the front adjustable strap is connected to the front segment and can wrap around the wrist of the user. The rear adjustment strap is connected to the rear segment and can wrap around the forearm of the user near the elbow. In one embodiment, the front adjustable strap may comprise hook and loop fasteners and the rear adjustable strap may comprise release buckles.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/883,442 filed on Sep. 27, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magazine holder. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an ambidextrous magazine holder that is configured to be worn on a forearm of a user. In this way, the present invention provides convenient access to an additional magazine when using a firearm.

A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device that can be removably attached to a firearm. The magazine functions by moving the ammunition stored in the magazine into a position where the ammunition may be loaded into the chamber by the action of the firearm. When using a firearm, additional magazines are carried by a user of the firearm to ensure that the user has enough ammunition when engaging a target.

Generally, additional magazines are carried in a magazine pouch or a similar device worn on the waist or attached to the user's clothing. The magazine pouches help to keep the ammunition together while maintaining ammunition clean and free of debris. However, conventional magazine pouches are inconvenient to access and do not maintain magazines in an organized manner so that the user can grab a replacement magazine while maintaining a visual on the target. This can be highly disadvantageous to the user as the user may not be able to successfully acquire the target when failing to maintain a constant visual on the target. Thus, a magazine holder that is readily accessible and that eliminates the need to look away from the target to access a magazine is desired.

The present invention provides a magazine holder that is adapted to be worn around a user's forearm. The magazine holder comprises a front segment, a middle segment, and a rear segment. Each of the segments comprises a first flap and a second flap. The first and second flaps of each of the front and rear segments are bent or folded upward so as to wrap around the user's forearm. The first and second flaps of the middle segment are bent or folded downward to create a slot to hold a magazine therein. The middle segment further comprises an indentation that engages the magazine. The magazine is positioned in the holder so that the magazine and the bullets are correctly oriented relative to the firearm. The magazine holder is secured to the user's forearm by means of a front adjustable strap and a rear adjustable strap, wherein the front adjustable strap is connected to the front segment, and the rear adjustable strap is connected to the rear segment.

Because the magazine holder of the present invention is worn on the user's forearm, the magazine is readily accessible to the user when needed. Additionally, the positioning of the magazine in the magazine holder of the present invention eliminates the need for the user to verify that the magazine and the bullets are oriented correctly. In this way, the present invention allows users to exchange magazines without breaking visual from the target when engaging the same.

DRESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to magazine pouches. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. Some of these devices disclose a magazine pouch that attaches to a belt. Other devices disclose a magazine pouch with a clip for attaching the device to a desired location. These devices, however, do not disclose a set of forearm straps for removably attaching the magazine holder to the forearm. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Design Patent No. D594,649 to Zusman discloses a combination pistol holster and a magazine pouch. The device comprises a pistol holster comprising a bottom wall and side walls extending upward therefrom. The device further comprises a magazine pouch that comprises a bottom wall and side walls extending upward therefrom. The pistol holster and the magazine pouch share one of the side walls so that the holster and the pouch are substantially unitary in structure. The pistol holster comprises a button that is attached to a belt attachment, wherein the belt attachment is adapted to be inserted between a user's belt and article of clothing. While Zusman discloses a magazine pouch, the pouch is not adapted to be worn on a user's forearm. Additionally, the pouch does not hold a magazine so that the magazine and the bullets are oriented correctly relative to the firearm that is held by the user.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,717 to Theodore discloses a magazine holder having a closed bottom portion, a front portion, and a rear portion, leaving the sides and the top substantially open. The magazine holder is configured so that it is adapted to hold two magazines side by side. Additionally, the magazine holder comprises a magnet to hold the magazines. Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,093 to Hellweg discloses a magazine pouch having a main body portion and a belt loop portion. The main body portion and the belt loop portion are unitary, and comprise a plurality of snap fasteners so as to create a pocket for a magazine. U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,908 to Groover discloses a magazine carrier with a retractable flap for securing a magazine in the carrier. In one embodiment, the magazine carrier comprises a pair of closed loops for receiving a user's belt therethrough.

The foregoing Theodore, Hellweg, and Groover devices are directed toward magazine pouches that are designed to be worn on or attached to the user's belt. While these devices enable the user to maintain additional magazines on his or her person, they do not allow the user to easily access the additional magazines without losing constant visual on the target. The present invention comprises a magazine holder that is worn at the user's wrist. Further, a magazine is held in the middle segment of the holder so that the bullets and the front end of the magazine are oriented toward the front of the firearm. In this way, the user can slide the magazine out of the middle segment and insert the magazine into the firearm without verifying to see if the magazine is being correctly inserted.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,997 to Aluotto discloses a magazine pouch with a pocket and back portion extending vertically upward. The back portion comprises a resilient tab that prevents the magazine from falling out of the pocket. In contrast, the present invention comprises an indentation that is adapted to engage a latch that is disposed on a conventional magazine. In this way, the present invention eliminates the need to use a resilient tab or a similar fastening means to secure a magazine thereto.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,371 to Wilson discloses an ammunition magazine pouch having an elevator mechanism. The pouch is adapted to hold two magazines therein, and comprises a removably attached cover. When the cover is removed, the magazines are partially ejected from the pouch automatically. While Wilson discloses a magazine pouch, the design and intent of the Wilson device differ from the present invention in that the present invention is adapted to increase accessibility of additional magazines when using a firearm while allowing the user to maintain a visual on the target. As such, the present magazine holder is adapted to be worn on the user's forearm, so that the additional magazine can be easily accessed.

A primary drawback to the magazine holders in the prior art is that it is inconvenient and difficult to draw a single magazine from the holder when it is worn at the waist. This is particularly true when the user is wearing other gear that can obstruct the user from reaching the magazine. Another drawback to the magazine holders in the prior art is that it is difficult to verify whether the drawn magazine is oriented correctly. In a high stress environment, it is essential to quickly and easily exchange magazines while maintaining visual on the target. If the magazine is not inserted correctly into the firearm, the user must spend additional time correctly inserting the magazine.

It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to magazine pouches. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of magazine pouches now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved forearm magazine holder wherein the same can be utilized for holding a magazine for a firearm.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved forearm magazine holder that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved forearm magazine holder having a front segment, a middle segment, and a rear segment, wherein the front and rear segments are adapted to wrap around a user's forearm and the middle segment is adapted to hold a magazine therein.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved forearm magazine holder that can be worn on either forearm of a user.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved forearm magazine holder having a front adjustable strap and a rear adjustable strap.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved forearm magazine holder that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the magazine holder of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the magazine holder of the present invention as laid out flat.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the present invention having adjustable straps thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the forearm magazine holder. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to hold a magazine for a firearm. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view and a top plan view of the magazine holder 21 of the present invention without the adjustable straps thereon. The magazine holder 21 of the present invention is cut from a substantially rectangular sheet of high performance plastic, such as thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride or another durable, but lightweight material, such as carbon fiber. The magazine holder 21 comprises a front segment 25, a middle segment 24, and a rear segment 26. The front segment 25 and the middle segment 24 are connected at a front joint 34. Similarly, the rear segment 26 and the middle segment 24 are connected at a rear joint 35. The front 34 and the rear joints 35 are aligned along the middle of the magazine holder 21. In this way, the magazine holder 21 is unitary in structure.

The front 25 and rear segments 26 are adapted to partially wrap around a user's forearm, and the middle segment 24 is adapted to hold a magazine so that the magazine is positioned adjacent to the user's forearm. The front segment 25 comprises a first flap 29 and a second flap 28, wherein the first flap 29 and the second flap 28 are adapted to fold upward, or towards the user's forearm. The first flap 29 and the second flap 28 are substantially equal in size and shape. The distance between the terminal edge of the first flap 29 and the terminal edge of the second flap 28 defines a width of the front segment 25; and the distance between the front joint 34 and the leading edge 43 of the magazine holder 21 defines a length of the front segment 25. The first flap 29 comprises hook fasteners, and the second flap 28 comprise an elongated slit 31 thereon. The slit 31 is adapted to receive a front adjustable strap therethrough. The front adjustable strap comprises loop fasteners so that the strap can removably attach to the hook fasteners disposed on the first flap 29.

The middle segment 24 comprises a first flap 30 opposite a second flap 36, wherein the first flap 30 and the second flap 36 are adapted to fold downward, or away from the user's forearm to hold a magazine therebetween. When the first flap 30 and the second flap 36 are folded downward, the two flaps 30, 36 form a slot in which a magazine can be inserted and held. Furthermore, the edges of the two flaps 30, 36 can be bent in the same direction to form generally lips or indentations, wherein the lips or indentations are generally L-shaped when viewed from the side. The indentations help prevent the magazine from falling out of the slot by supporting the underside of the magazine. In some embodiments, the edges of the two flaps 30, 36 can touch when the flaps 30, 36 are folded downward. The first flap 30 and the second flap 36 are substantially equal in size and shape.

The distance between the terminal edge of the first flap 30 and the terminal edge of the second flap 36 defines a width of the middle segment 24; and the distance between the front joint 34 and the rear joint 35 defines a length of the middle segment 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the middle segment 24 is substantially equal to the width of the front segment 25. The length of the middle segment 24, however, is greater than the length of the front segment 25. In this way, the middle segment 24 can support a substantial length of a magazine that is held therewithin.

The rear segment 26 comprises a first flap 27 opposite a second flap 33. The first 27 and second flaps 33 are adapted to fold upward, or towards the user's forearm. The distance between the terminal edge of the first flap 27 to the terminal edge of the second flap 33 defines a width of the rear segment 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first flap 27 and the second flap 33 are not equal in size and shape. The first flap 27 extends from the rear joint 35 to the trailing edge 44 of the magazine holder 21. In contrast, the second flap 33 extends from short of the rear joint 35 to short of the trailing edge 44 of the magazine holder 21. The first flap 27 comprises a slit 32 thereon, wherein the slit 32 is adapted to receive a rear adjustable strap therethrough. The rear adjustable strap may comprise a male release buckle 22 thereon. The second flap 33 comprises a female release buckle 23 attached thereto. The male release buckle 22 may be connected to the female release buckle 23, thereby connecting the first flap 27 to the second flap 33.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the present invention having a front and a rear adjustable strap thereon. The magazine holder comprises an inner surface 37 and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface 37 directly contacts the user's forearm when the magazine holder is worn; and the outer surface directly contacts the magazine. The outer surface of the magazine holder is smooth so as to prevent the magazine holder from damaging a magazine 38 held therein, while allowing the magazine 38 to easily slide in and out of the magazine holder.

The magazine holder is dimensioned to be worn on a user's forearm so as to provide quick and a convenient access to the magazine 38 when needed. More specifically, the first flap 29 and the second flap of the front segment is adapted to wrap around the user's wrist by means of a front adjustable strap 40. The strap 40 is looped through the slit 31 on the front segment and then folded onto itself to form a closed loop. The free end of the strap 40 comprises loop fasteners 41 thereon, so that the strap can removably attach to the hook fasteners 39 disposed on the first flap 29.

The rear segment comprises a rear adjustable strap 42. The rear adjustable strap 42 is threaded through a slit disposed on the first flap and folded onto itself to form a closed loop. The free end of the rear adjustable strap 42 is then looped through a male release buckle so that it can be removably connect to a female release buckle that is disposed on the second flap of the rear segment. The rear adjustable strap 42 and the first flap and the second flap of the rear segment are adapted to wrap around the user's forearm near the elbow.

The magazine holder of the present invention is configured to be ambidextrous so that it can be worn on either the left forearm or the right forearm. The magazine 38 is securely held between the first flap 30 and second flap of the middle segment when they are folded downward. In one embodiment, the middle segment may be configured to snugly fit around the magazine 38, thereby preventing it from falling out. More specifically, it is contemplated that the first flap 30 and the second flap of the middle segment are biased toward each other to compress the magazine held therebetween. Additionally, the edges of the first flap 30 and the second flap can be folded to create indentations that can secure the magazine in place. In some embodiments, the edges of the first flap 30 and the second flap can touch, but stretch apart when the flaps of the middle segment are folded downward.

Preferably, the magazine is positioned so that the bullets in the magazine 38 are oriented correctly relative to the firearm that is held by the user. Accordingly, the front end of the magazine and the head of the bullets face towards the front of the firearm, or towards the leading edge 43 of the magazine holder. In this way, the user is not required to rotate the magazine 38 to orient it correctly after sliding it out of the magazine holder. As such, the user can maintain a constant visual on the target while exchanging the magazine of a firearm. In some embodiments, the device may be configured so that the middle segment is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the inner wrist portion instead on the side of the user's forearm. This would allow the magazine to be held in the middle segment without preventing the user from resting his or her forearm on a surface.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A firearm magazine holder, comprising: a magazine holder having a front segment, a middle segment, and a rear segment; a front joint connecting said front segment and said middle segment; a rear joint connecting said middle segment and said rear segment; each of said front segment, said middle segment, and said rear segment having a first flap and a second flap; a front adjustable strap attached to said front segment; a rear adjustable strap attached to said rear segment; each of said front segment and said rear segment adapted to wrap around a forearm of a user; said middle segment adapted to hold a firearm magazine.
 2. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, further comprising: a slit on said second flap of said front segment; hook fasteners on said first flap of said front segment; loop fasteners on said front adjustable strap; wherein said front adjustable strap is threaded through said slit on said second flap of aid front segment and folded onto itself to form a closed loop.
 3. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, further comprising: a slit on said first flap of said rear segment; a male release buckle connected to said rear adjustable strap; a female release buckle connected to said second flap of said rear segment; wherein said male release buckle is adapted to engage said female release buckle.
 4. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, wherein said first flap and said second flap of said front segment is substantially equal in size and shape.
 5. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, wherein said first flap and said second flap of said middle segment is substantially equal in size and shape.
 6. The firearm magazine holder of claim 5, wherein edges of said first flap and said second flap of middle segment are bent to create indentations.
 7. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, wherein each of said first flap and said second flap of said front segment and said rear segment is folded upward and towards said forearm of said user, such that each of said front segment and said rear segment directly contacts said forearm of said user.
 8. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, wherein each of said first flap and said second flap of said middle segment is folded downward and away from said forearm of said user, creating a lot to hold said firearm magazine therein.
 9. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, wherein said magazine holder is composed of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride.
 10. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, wherein said magazine holder is composed of carbon fiber.
 11. The firearm magazine holder of claim 1, wherein said front segment, said middle segment, and said rear segments are integrally formed. 